Airstream Rally Sets Stage for International 2011 Rally
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[About once a decade, Region 5 of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International stops in to Du Quoin. They're here now, visiting and seeing the sights.
Region 5 President Louise Humble, of Carterville, said she expects about 80 Airstream Trailers and 150 people by the end of the week. They began arriving last weekend and will continue to trickle in through Friday.
Those present spent Thursday touring southern Illinois, including the Hayes House at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Friday is set aside for seminars and instructional classes.
On Saturday, the public is invited to attend an open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m. At least 15 Airstream trailers will be open for tours during that time.
There are 12 Regions in the U.S. and Canada. Region 5 includes Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. There are 128 clubs spread among the 12 regions, four of which are in Canada. The groups get together for rallies and caravans in regional areas, as well as on the national and international levels.
There are several rigs from outside the region in Du Quoin this week.
"We have guests from Massachusetts, Alabama, Iowa and Missouri," Humble said. The guests from Iowa are the International President Norm Beu and his wife Linda.
This is at least the sixth time they've been to Du Quoin and the only time simply for pleasure.
Beu is planning the Wally Byam Caravan Club International 2011 rally. It will be held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
Preparation began immediately after the 2010 rally in Gillette, Wyoming. The international rally is expected to bring between 800 and 900 rigs and twice that many people to Perry County for a week.
The Beus and an advance team will arrive the second week of June and stay through the rally, which is always held around July 4, Wally Byam's birthday.
Advance teams have already scouted the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The site manager for the 2011 International rally is Jerry Humble, husband of the Region 5 president.
There is a great deal of work going into the execution of the international rally. Committees work on specific areas such as parking and traffic management. Committees have even planned for emergency pet care during the international rally.
The 2011 rally will include antique Airstream displays and new Airstreams for sale.
The Wally Byam Caravan Club is the oldest and largest single-brand RV club in North America.